Hey waterdogs:
Ears are very sensitive to pressure changes. If the air pressure in the middle ear behind the eardrum isn't pretty much identical to the ambient pressure, you'll feel it. It doesn't really matter whether the pressure in the middle ear is more or less than the ambient pressure, you'll still notice the difference. You can sense very minor pressure changes. Small barometric pressure changes with weather and short rides in elevators are easily noticible- particularly if you have trouble clearing. A ride in an airplane with a pressure change equivalent to an ascent to 8000' can be agony if you can't clear, and a dive can be downright dangerous.
If a person can't clear the pressuer in their middle ear, the "pressure" feeling will persist either until they can equalize the pressure, the ambient pressure just happens to be equal to the pressure in the middle ear, or they've had the condition so long their brain starts to ignore the input. Two minutes, two hours, two day, two weeks, or two years- however long it takes. Too bad there's not some magic trick that will work to clear the ears every time.
The best person to evaluate trouble equalizing ears is probably an ENT. And the best person to evaluate a diver's trouble clearing is probably an ENT familiar with diving- say one recommended by DAN. That evaluation can best be made in person.
HTH,
Bill
The above information is intended for discussion purposes only and is not meant as specific medical advice for any individual.
